Councilman Djou Demands Sewage Spill Inquiry

April 30, 2006 at 4:44 AM HST - Updated July 11 at 6:55 AM

Council Member Charles Djou

Mayor Mufi Hannemann

(KHNL) Chief political reporter Darren Pai has learned the City Council may launch an investigation into the decision made by Mayor Mufi Hannemann's administration to release 48 million gallons of untreated sewage into the Ala Wai Canal last month.

On Sunday City Councilman Charles Djou says he introduced a resolution Friday calling for the City Council to form a special investigative committee to look into the sewage spill. The investigation would cover a wide range of issues related to the sewer failure, including the reasons for the administration's decision to divert raw sewage into the canal.

Under the city charter, the council has the authority to form such committees. If approved, the committee would have the power to subpoena witnesses and compel the production of any documents relevant to the investigation. The council may also hire outside attorneys and experts.

A spokesperson for the mayor declined to comment on the resolution Saturday. The Mayor's office says it has been reporting to the environmental protection agency and has kept the council apprised of all developments and will continue to do so.